Missouri Lake and Pass
Distance: 7.1 miles (round trip)
Holy Cross Wilderness, White River National Forest, near Leadville in Central Colorado
A great little hike to a beautiful lakes basin and scenic pass in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
See Trail Detail/Full Description
- Distance: 7.1 miles (round trip) to Missouri Pass
- Elevation: 10,130-ft. at Trailhead
11,986-ft. at Missouri Pass - Elevation Gain: 1,856-ft. to Missouri Pass
- Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
- More Hikes in:
Leadville / Central Colorado
Why Hike Missouri Lake and Pass
It isn’t often that you can walk just 3.5 miles to a beautiful lake basin and scenic pass. The Missouri Lakes trail offers just such an opportunity.
The first leg of the trail is not very picturesque, passing water pipes and a diversion dam. Beyond the water project the scenery improves markedly as the trail climbs through conifers, passing small waterfalls, pretty cascades and interesting cliffs along Missouri Creek on its way to the lakes basin.
The basin, located just below the timberline, is carpeted with emerald green meadows littered with rocky knobs and clusters of trees. For the next 1.2 miles the path wanders through the pretty basin, passing five of the lakes, before the final short, steep ascent to the pass.
Missouri Lakes is a popular destination for hikers and fisherman. Legal camping spots can be in short supply on busy weekends and holidays. If you wish to spend a night in the basin it is best to travel on the weekdays or in the early fall.
The trail can be extended into a wonderful loop trip when combined with the Fancy Pass trail. See the Fancy Pass / Missouri Pass trail for more information.
Elevation Profile
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Trail Resources
Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map
Basecamp(s) Information:
Leadville
Region Information:
Central Colorado
Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado